Antique Vinaigrettes and Pomanders

During the Renaissance, as European cities became open sewers for human filth, jewelry-makers invented clever ways for wealthy residents to carry small containers holding various fragrances. The purpose of these devices wasn't only to ward off offending odors—at the time, diseases like the plague were thought to spread through infected air, so perfumes were believed to offer protection from contagion. Scent-filled containers like pomanders...Continue Reading